Exhibiting at Smarter Faster Payments Offers a Chance to Nurture Relationships and Create New Ones

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Loyalty doesn't come easy but Nacha's Smarter Faster Payments conference earns it-not just from attendees, but from organizations setting up shop in the exhibit hall. CGI, a global technology and professional services firm, will continue its long string of exhibiting when it returns for Payments 2026 in San Diego, April 26-29.

"It's a chance for us to reconnect with our clients in an environment that is not in the office," said Irene Edmunds, Marketing Director at CGI. Not only does their booth afford a chance to nurture existing relationships, it also enables CGI "to create new relationships, whether that's with future clients or perhaps potential technology partners or other partners that we meet."

Speaking on Nacha's Payments SmartCast podcast, Edmunds noted CGI's involvement at Smarter Faster Payments goes beyond the exhibit hall. Staffers attend the educational sessions, not only to keep up their Nacha accreditations but to "hear what the latest and greatest is in the payments space." CGI will also do its part to inform the payments community when Andy Schmidt, CGI Vice-President & Global Industry Lead for Banking, joins the panel at the session "From Rails to Results: Igniting Innovation in U.S. Real Time Payments."

Lindsay Serth, Nacha Assistant Director, Exhibitor Management & Sales Support, promises "an even more dynamic exhibit hall for 2026" and on the podcast she highlighted some of the exciting new features you'll see in San Diego.

"We're introducing education sessions directly within the hall and expanding opportunities for social engagement," said Serth. "To kick things off we're adding charging stations in the exhibit hall lounge to give attendees a convenient way to power up their devices without missing the action in the hall."

Other exhibit hall changes include a reimagining of 2025's Meet and Mingle area as the new Community Corner, which Serth said will be "infusing fresh energy into the exhibit hall with engaging topical talks and subject matter meetups."

Much more was discussed, including tips for new exhibitors, and you can listen to the complete podcast below.

For details on Smarter Faster Payments 2025, visit the conference website.